Haaretz Podcast

Vera Weidenbach, a German journalist from Table Briefings, and David Issacharoff, an editor at Haaretz, dive into the unsettling rise of Germany's far-right AfD party. Weidenbach warns of the party's neo-Nazi roots and its dangerous normalization in German politics. Issacharoff highlights the Israeli perspective, focusing on Netanyahu's support for the conservative CDU. They discuss the implications for both countries and the nuanced responses from Jewish communities regarding this political shift, raising concerns about alliances amidst global extremism.

Jonathan Greenblatt, CEO of the Anti-Defamation League, discusses the unchecked antisemitism leading to tragic events, asserting that anti-Zionism equates to antisemitism. He emphasizes the urgency of the crisis while urging humanity in the face of inhumanity, particularly regarding Palestinians. Greenblatt reflects on the backlash from his social media response to Elon Musk's gesture, admitting he should have framed his message more thoughtfully. The conversation examines the role of social media in amplifying hate speech and the political dynamics surrounding the Jewish community today.

Dan Shapiro, former U.S. ambassador to Israel, shares his firsthand experiences during the turmoil following the October 7 attacks. He emphasizes that any post-war settlement for Gaza must involve the removal of Hamas. Shapiro reflects on the emotional strains faced by U.S. officials during this crisis and critiques Donald Trump’s Gaza plan, labeling it unrealistic and unlikely. He provides insights into the complexities of hostage negotiations and the broader implications for U.S.-Israel relations amid ongoing regional conflicts.

Amy Spitalnick, CEO of the Jewish Council for Public Affairs, delves into the troubling rise of antisemitism in the U.S., emphasizing the role of influential figures in normalizing hate. She discusses how most American Jews, a predominantly liberal community, oppose Trump's divisive policies despite some appreciation for his recent actions. Spitalnick highlights the complexity of Jewish identity amidst political polarization and stresses the urgent need for solidarity and diverse opinions to safeguard democratic values and combat escalating threats.

Aluf Benn, Editor-in-chief of Haaretz, discusses the alarming support for Donald Trump's Gaza plan among Israelis. He highlights how this plan, which threatens the displacement of nearly 2 million Palestinians, provides a political advantage to Prime Minister Netanyahu. Benn critiques the moral implications of this popularity, pointing out the dangerous alignment with far-right factions in Israel. They delve into the entwined political dynamics between Trump and Netanyahu, emphasizing the severe ramifications for both local and international relations.

Moshe Lavi, brother-in-law of Israeli hostage Omri Miran, passionately advocates for the plight of hostages. He shares his disappointment with Prime Minister Netanyahu's refusal to meet families, juxtaposed against the backdrop of chilling stories from returning captives. Lavi highlights the urgency for effective negotiations as Miran remains in peril. Delving into the emotional struggles of young children like Alma missing their father, he encapsulates the pain of absence and the relentless hope families cling to amid the turmoil.

Alon Pinkas, a seasoned Haaretz columnist and former Israeli Consul General in New York, shares keen insights on the fallout from Trump and Netanyahu's recent meeting. He highlights how Netanyahu's supporters may misread the optimistic tone surrounding Trump's Gaza plan. Pinkas argues that Trump's unfeasible vision, which includes relocating Gaza's residents, overshadows Netanyahu's failure to sway U.S. support away from cease-fire negotiations with Hamas. The discussion further delves into the complexities of Israeli-Palestinian relations and regional diplomacy.

Hagar Shezaf, a Haaretz West Bank correspondent with five years of experience documenting the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, paints a harrowing picture of life in West Bank refugee camps. She discusses how intensified military campaigns, particularly Operation Iron Wall, have created a 'nightmare' for civilians. While acknowledging the presence of militants, Shezaf emphasizes the plight of ordinary people caught in the violence. She highlights the devastating impact on critical infrastructure and the ongoing struggles faced by Palestinian families amid escalating tensions.

In this insightful discussion, Professor Hagai Levine, a public health expert and head of the health team for the Hostages Family Forum, dives into the intricacies faced by hostages freed from Hamas. He explores the psychological and physical challenges that arise post-captivity, stressing the urgent need for comprehensive long-term care. Levine addresses the troubling gaps in government support for these individuals and families, and highlights the importance of advocacy from humanitarian organizations to ensure adequate recovery resources.

At the moment, Israelis may think they have U.S. President Donald Trump's unconditional support when it comes to the conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon - but that is not the case, according to Haaretz Washington correspondent Ben Samuels. Reviewing Trump’s first weeks in office and their impact on the Middle East, amid reports that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu may be visiting the White House in coming days, Samuels noted on the Haaretz Podcast that Trump took dramatic steps with executive orders erasing what he could of President Joe Biden’s legacy. This includes  rescinding sanctions on violent extremist settlers in the West Bank, and lifting the only hold that Biden put on heavy payload weapons to Israel.  Also on this week's podcast, Haaretz correspondent Linda Dayan described the powerful scene at Hostage Square in Tel Aviv over the weekend, where the release of four young women, IDF spotters who were taken hostage by Hamas on October 7, 2023, brought tears and relief to a country on edge. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.